• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.46-55
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• 2012

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is highly contagious and highly lethal to cloven-hoofed animals. In the winter of 2010, an outbreak of FMD in Korea caused a great deal of economic damage as well as serious mental and physical damage to people who participated in preventive activities. This study provides preliminary data for designing safe and functional protective clothing and gear for individuals who participate in FMD preventive activities. This study was accomplished with multilateral methods such as a documentary survey, field trips, sample analysis of protective clothing and gear, questionnaire studies and focus interviews. As a result, we found that most workers wore low-priced protective clothing that was low in safety functions and rarely wore extra protective gear. Also pointed out was dissatisfaction with: protective clothing and gear, problems related to damage, discomfort, contamination, problems in protective gear related to waterproof functions, protection against harmful substances, discomfort, coldness, and damage. Safe protective clothing could be developed that protects the actual wearers if these results are reflected in the improvement of protective clothing and gear.